Being Connected with HOKARI MINORU

Dear Everyone -

The year 2011 is about to close. I hope this mail finds you well. The biggest accomplishment since Mino’s passing in 2004, publishing “Gurindji Journey: A Japanese Historian in the Outback” (2011 2011, NewSouth Books/University of Hawaii) was finally achieved this year. I am so relieved to finally keep my promise to him. Thank you very much for all your help.

I have some news to share from “Being Connected with HOKARI MINORU”

1. A photography exhibition catalogue: “The Call of the Living Earth: Photographs of Indigenous Australians by Minoru Hokari” still have some copies left. 5 of cloth deluxe cover version (JPY 6,000 + S&H) and 35 of paper cover version (JPY 2,700 + S&H). If you have not purchased one or you are looking for some gift idea, please give a thought. All the proceeds will be donated to the Minoru Hokari Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Australian National University to support young scholars. If you are interested, please reply to this mail.

2. We are planning to wire about AUD$3,610 (US$3,590) to the fund in early 2012. This includes the proceeds from the catalogue sale mentioned above, the donation added to the catalogue payment and the sale of “Gurindji Journey”. I will announce on the website once it is completed. Thank you very much for your support.

The fund balance increased from AUD$64,168 (as of October 2010) to AUD$66,135 as of now. Currently the fund produces $3,217 annually for the scholarship award. In order to provide $5,000 every year perpetually, we need another $40,000.

3. I met Mr. Glen Stasiuk, 2011 ANU scholarship award winner at the book launch in Canberra. He told us that some Indigenous Australians organization had suggested him to apply for it. How wonderful is it?! Here is the latest activity on his project.

“I am currently finishing my documentary WADJEMUP: Black Prison - White Playground and have begun preliminary research - lit review - on the Minoru project - Swan River Colony (1829-1834): From Collaboration to Conflict by meeting with significant Swan River (Wadjuk) Noongar Elders and investigating Midjagooroo and Yagan who were Noongar resistant warriors. I have several articles on them and will overlap this research with my current project.”

4. I started knitting again after 20 years. As you know, I have worked for an investment bank for more than 10 years, moving money from one side to the other to make money. I realize that knitting is a way of making something concrete with my hands and it gives me such a pleasure and fulfillment in my life. Recently, I came across an Alpaca farm and decided to start a “Knit to Fundrase” project with their 100% Alpaca yarn. I created a brand “Nimara & Japarta.” As you know, “Japarta” is a skin name that the Gurindji people gave Mino and “Nimara” is Japarta’s sister. I not only knit but also design my own pattern to sell. I really enjoy knitting and designing and it is great that helps Mino. I just finished designing that is my Christmas gift for Mino. Find “Nimara & Japarta” on Facebook and “Like” it, please.

My deepest appreciation goes to you who have been connected with Mino in 2011 and to you who recently met him. I wish another healthy and happy year is waiting for you and your family. Happy Holidays.

Yuki Hokari